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Great value

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: Runs small

Size Bought: 12

For the price you can't beat the Hestra Heli Mitten. I'm a skier, and the medication I take makes my hands cold. I also used this with hand warmers inside. My hands were toasty even down to single digits and stayed that way all day. The sizing runs slightly small, but not as much as other Hestra mittens. I found that with the mittens plus hand warmer, I still had dexterity. Trust me on this: the combo can't be beat, and you don't need to spend a fortune for more expensive mittens.

Excellent Mitt

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Excellent Mitt

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: Size 9

This mitt is durable, super comfortable, and most importantly, warm. The removable liner is great, the high cuffs are perfect for powder days and cinch up easily, and they stay perfectly dry(just treat them!). Lastly, I don't feel that they are bulky and the color patterns all look great.

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This Mitten is Awesome

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: Runs large

Size Bought: L

As I'm getting older (now 48), I'm finding that my fingers and toes get cold more quickly. I have used the Dakine and Black Diamond guide gloves for years, and they are really quite warm. But when it's cold outside, the Hestra mitten is like a friggin' sledgehammer on the cold. Over the holidays it was single digits up at Alta almost every day...fingers never got cold in the Hestras. So awesome. I'm sold.

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Perfect Ski Mitt

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: 10

Used for winter skiing in Lake Tahoe, CA (10-30 F). I purchased the Hestra Heli Mitten after my 5+ season Burton mitts began to rip at the seams. I was on the fence between this version and the Gore-Tex version but am more than happy with the non Gore-Tex. I was worried about them being water proof and read reviews favoring both versions. The non Gore-Tex remain water proof (as long as you treat the leather!) and this version has the removable liner. The mitts keep my hands warm at all temps with the included liners but I'm planning on buying a lighter liner for warmer conditions. They are mittens, so don't expect glove-like dexterity, but I have no problem with opening and closing zippers and keeping a solid grip on my ski poles. The long gauntlet cuff is perfect for powder and kept the snow out after plenty of falls in 36+ inch fresh powder. I was between sizes (9-10) based on measurements and went with size 10. Fit is good and mitts aren't bulky. My only recommendation would be to purchase the leather balm right away (mitts come with a sample size for initial treatment).

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There is a women's version!

Familiarity: I returned this product before using it

Headsup to all my ladies-- there is a Women's version of this mitten. I made the mistake of ordering this Unisex version, and while the length of the mitt was fine, the circumference was wayyy too big -- I could practically fit a 6th digit in there. I measured out to a size 7 (I'm also a size 7 shoe) and the Women's 7 mitt fits perfectly! Backcountry was great about letting me exchange the Unisex for the Women's version, and I'm so glad I did!

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Warm as they come!

Familiarity: I gave it as a gift but have feedback to share

Fit: True to size

I gave these to my future father-in-law who was needing "the warmest mittens on the market." These mittens produced! If you are looking for an everyday mitten, keep looking. If you are looking to climb Everest and keep all ten digits, you've found what you are looking for!

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Finally found the perfect mitten

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: 8

Used for winter skiing in Breckenridge, CO. Temps between -5 and 20, mostly cloudy or snowing. These were the mittens I have been searching for my whole life! I have always had cold hands, even in spring conditions, but I hate taking breaks to warm them up. I just want to ski without worrying about frostbite. After 40 years and countless mittens, even other expensive ones, I finally found a pair that work. They go on easily, are amazingly warm and fuzzy, quality materials, and I even liked the straps (never had those before, but found them to be helpful without being in the way). I love everything about these mittens.

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Hestra Heli Mitten

Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: 9

I thought the overall service with the mitten and also the representatives from the site were great. I haven't gotten to be able to try out this mitt yet, but I put it on and it was extremely warm. I was recommended to the Hestra brand by my friend and I think that I made the right decision. I haven't gotten a chance to go on the slopes with it yet but so far so good. :)

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The warmest mitten with great features!

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

Size Bought: 7

I was looking for a ski mitten to keep my daughter's hands warm while skiing. I liked them so much I bought some for myself! I wanted to wait to review these until I used them a few times. We skied there days in a row in temps between 5 and 15 degrees and our hands never got cold. The other thing I noticed is that our hands didn't sweat. They stayed the same comfortable temperature all day. It really was amazing. I love these mittens and only wished I bought them sooner. The only downfall, as with all leather gloves, is they need the balm rubbed on them to keep them soft and supple. A small price to pay for such a great mitten. Would definitely recommend buying them! I bought the size 7 which is just perfect. I measured right between the 6 and 7. So I'm glad I purchased the 7. My hands are small so I thought I should probably get the 6 but the 7 is just perfect.

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Great Quality

Familiarity: I've used it several times

Fit: True to size

I was really impressed with the overall construction of these. The leather feels really nice, the stitching is even, they feel really sturdy. I haven't had a chance to wear them more than a couple times since this winter has been so warm, but they certainly seem toasty. The removable liners are a plus--makes washing easy. The elastic keeper cuffs are a HUGE pro for me, and much more comfortable than other shoelace type cords on other mittens. I'd say my only gripe so far is the lack of a goggle or nose wipe. For sizing, the BC sizing chart for this item was accurate.

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The Best of the Best

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

Not a chance my hands are getting cold! The mitt style keeps powder from getting trapped with your fingers, and the long gauntlet style keep your hands dry and toasty. They've also included a high quality wrist strap that is completely unnoticeable when riding, and keeps your gloves secure when you need to take them off for any reason. I've yet to have them get wet at all, even though the very supple leather feels like it would. The build quality is apparent the first time you touch these, and I'm excited to put these babies on every time I ride.

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Amazing to begin with, then...

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Fit: True to size

I don't get how hard it can be to make a glove liner that's both insulating and also keeps its shape after a few weeks of wear. That's the problem with this and every other high-spec glove I've owned. They're thick and fluffy to begin with, and make you feel like you've just put your hands in a pizza oven, but give it a couple of weeks and the dense inner becomes a shadow of its former self, and suddenly your fingers are wriggling around in this cavernous empty space where once there was warmth. Can't NASA or someone find a material that's part springy bathroom sponge part merino part UNIQLO heat-tech?

Otherwise yes the leather on these is lovely and great, they look good, smell good etc. But the past reviewers who say they kept them warm all season.. I just have to assume they didn't use their hands all season for fear of wearing down their glove linings. Yes that's probably exactly what happened.

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The best I've owned

I wore these gloves through a whole season of working as a lift operator in VT - they were life savers. My hands have been cold in every other pair of gloves/mitts ive worn. Not these.

Side note, I bumped chairs as it was a fixed grip lift, and the leather totally held up. Many of my co workers went through 4 or 5 pairs of gloves throughout the season, these lasted with 0 issues and I still have them. No holes, no tears, just a little wear on the thumbs and palms.

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I finally found what I was looking for!

I was looking for a mitten that didn't have finger separation inside. These had great reviews so I figured I would give them a try. These are better than I was expecting.

I love the fact that there are so many different sizes. I measured my hands and got the size 10. They fit better than any glove I have previously had.

The removable fleece-y inside is so warm and soft. The fact that it is has Velcro holding it in is great. It is easy to remove the liner and dry it overnight (it is polyester so it dries fast). There are no obstructions inside the outer mitt either so reinstallation is as easy as putting on any mitten and making sure the Velcro is stuck.

I have never had a little elastic wrist band that goes around my wrist to lanyard my mitten to me but oh boy, it's such a great feature! Being able to take these off to use a map, cool off my hands on a chair lift, or eat is nicer now that I never have to worry about dropping them.

This was the first time I ever spent more than $30 on a pair of gloves or mittens. I do love the sno-sealed cheap kinco glove you see so frequently for backcountry skiing, hiking, working, etc. and they do have their place in my life, but, for me, those don't cut it for in-bounds skiing or crazy cold days. These mittens cost a bit more than I usually spent in the past but if I lose these (which shouldn't happen because they attach to me), wear them out, or someone who is jealous (pretty much everyone that sees or tries them) steals them, I will definitely buy another pair. For the record, I don't expect these to wear out soon either, they feel durable and the leather palm is nice and supple.

So, if you are looking for a pair of mittens that are high quality, have no internal finger separation, will never fall in the snow when removed, and are built to last, trust me when I say, $135 is worth what you get with these.

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The Search has ended!

Familiarity: I've used it several times

I absolutely love my new mittens But the search went on all winter. My sister and one of my daughters bought their Hestra Heli Mitts several years ago and loved them...so I thought I would try a pair. I actually had to try several pairs before I finally secured a pair that fit well. The first pair I ordered was the women's style and I measured according to the company guide. Because I have slender fingers and wear a size 5 ring I thought the women's style would be better for me. I was wrong. The women's style has a very different construction and feel to it compared to the men's (unisex??). It is much narrower and the thumb is at least a half inch longer which felt uncomfortable when I gripped my ski poles. I exchanged them and received a pair of unisex style size 7. They were so comfortable at first. I really appreciate the gauntlet - no chance of losing a mitten while checking my phone or taking a picture. After the first two days I began to sense a difference between the L and R mittens in the wrist area. The mitten would twist a bit and then it became uncomfortable while gripping my ski poles. This sensation increased and after 4 times wearing them I ordered another pair. When the new pair came I actually decided to measure the first pair. As I was doing this it became evident that there was 3/8" difference between the L and R wrist area. Doesn't sound like much - but it made for discomfort while wearing. Back Country has been FANTASTIC about allowing me to return the first pair. Thank you! Bottom line - buy these mittens if you want warm, comfortable hands, that you won't lose on the ride up if you take them off. They come with leather conditioner and can actually function as two separate mittens as the liner and shell separate easily - and go back together easily. If you don't get the right size to start with don't give up! They are worth the hassle and the price.

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Anyone know how this compares to the Black...

Anyone know how this compares to the Black Diamond Mercury Mitt (http://www.backcountry.com/black-diamond-mercury-mitten-mens#question_269114)? I am looking for the warmest and longest lasting mitten to keep my VERY cold hands warm. I love to ski but my biggest obstacle is keeping my fingers toasty. Or does anyone have any other recommendations for warm mitts? Also, I have seen the Hestra leather balm, but is it possible to use Sno-Seal with these?

Answer mglskikid's Question

Ive used both mittens, and to be honest, Ill never go with anything but Black Diamond when it comes to mittens. The most recent time that I used mine was in Colorado snowboarding, actual temp on the mountain was 3 degrees with a wind chill of -15 degrees, I wore the mercury mittens solo and had no problem with keeping my hands warm. If you don't think these would be warm enough, go with Black Diamond's absolute mitten...theres no way you'll have cold hands with these ever, they are expedition wieght mittens.

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Hi mgl, The Black Diamond Mercury mitten is definitely warm, and a superb cold weather mitten. I have a pair and absolutely love them. From everything that I've read, the Heli Mitt is an awesome mitt as well, and could provide some dexterity over the Mercury mitten, but you would loose a tiny bit of warmth. As far as longevity, both are of top quality construction using goatskin leather. The only thing I've ever heard about the Mercury Mitt is that the insulation (removable primaloft insert) looses some of its loft after a long period of hard use. But, I've seen those same mittens worn on neg 20 days in Vermont, so clearly, they still insulate. So, I don't think you'll go wrong with either, but will get a bit more warmth out of the Mercury Mitt. By the way, my next mitt will be the Heli Mitt. Good luck!

Answer Desert Dog's Question

I would go with the Hestra. I have put them through a beating and they have held up great, kept my hands super warm in temps as low as -40F, and I have bad circulation and usually always have trouble with my hands getting cold. The leather on these is very strong. I just think these are better put together than the Columbia Mountain Monster Mitt.

I have used them Skiing, Hiking, around town, at 19,000 ft+, snowshoeing....and never been cold once.

Answer shawn's Question

The sizing chart for these are super accurate, so take a measurement around the fat part of the hand, as well as from the tip of the middle finger to the break in the wrist, then reference the size chart and pick your size based on those measurements. Usually height and shoe size has little to no bearing on the glove size. Hope this helps.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD DO I BUY HESTRA LEATHER...

WHERE IN THE WORLD DO I BUY HESTRA LEATHER BALM FROM? Its like finding a needle in a hay stack. I found some web sites who sell it but they want nearly $13 for shipping HAHAH.. Does anyone know where I can find this stuff at for a decent price?

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If you can't find Hestra-specific balm, or don't want to order it online, keep in mind that any waterproofing leather conditioner will accomplish the same thing. You can buy leather treatments at virtually any sporting goods store. I use Sno-Seal and Schnee's Premium Leather Conditioner, they both work great.

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hey my lil bro is asking for a pair of...

hey my lil bro is asking for a pair of hestras and wants a mitt..... he moved to Montana and I'm wondering if anyone knows how the snow is.... and the colder temps... we grew up down the road from a small resort in cali and always used and abused our gear with no probs.... im just wondering if these or the xcr's might be better for montana.... so ya im basically asking whats the weather like over there? thanks

Answer Ana D.'s Question

I have been living Montana my whole life, first in Billings now going to school at MSU in Bozeman. This year I have been skiing at Big Sky/Moonlight and I would have to say the average temp has been around 25 F, however it almost always just depends on the day I have gone skiing when the the temp has been -20 F (not too much skiing was actually accomplished) or may easily reach 35 F. I just have to say that it just usually depends on the day in Montana. I just bought these http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/Mountain-Hardwear-Spearhead-Mitten/MHW0683M.html and plan on using trying them out this weekend. I use to get cold hands all the time but then I switched to mittens and I will never go back to gloves.

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Hi,
I have finally managed to get my...

Hi, I have finally managed to get my lady friend on the slopes. She has notoriously cold hands so I want to get her some super warm mitts. We will be skiing eastern NA, mostly Tremblant, where its often colder than -30 celcius with the wind. I am thinking the Heli's or maybe the Swany Legends...anyone have a suggestion?

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im debating whether to get the xcr mitt...

im debating whether to get the xcr mitt or this and my biggest concern is warmth. i know the xcr is more waterproof but will it help keep my hands uch warmer. i ski in colorado so the waterproof factor usually isnt a big deal

Answer Alec Lee's Question

I have the Heli 3-finger mitts - so I can't speak to the XCR's. Like you stated, obviously they'd be more waterproof. However in 2 years of patrolling and skiing I've never had an issue with my hands being wet OR cold in my Heli's. My hands actually are usually TOO warm and I and up taking the mitts off and letting them hang from the straps for part of the lift ride up. That's in the 20's and low 30's. I haven't had any issues with cold hands down to around zero degrees (Fahrenheit). I would buy them again in a heart beat, best gloves I've ever purchased.

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If you're not worried about them being waterproof, go for these. The XCR I'd say is more for the kind of wet snow you'll find in the PNW - not Colorado. I grew up skiing in Utah and never had goretex gloves or cold fingers!

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I can tell you the difference from trying both mitts and both the heli glove and xcr you asked about also . 1. both are very warm but each has a slightly different insulation one goes getter with each outer shell. 2. Both have a water proof shell The xcr has a different material on it then the heli both work good. 3. xcr has a bit more stiffness to the glove because of the shell it has for water proofing. 4. for me the heli is a little more comfortable because of the softer insulation and outer shell fabric. 5. The heli is a bit easier to grab with 6. The xcr focus is a bit more for water proofing then extreme cold . Hope this helps each is a excellent choice I would say choose the xcr for more skiing snow board etc The heli for more extreme cold and mountain climbing or cold winter treks. ENJOY!

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I have problems with TOO MUCH WARMTH as well Kretzky :) I have the Hestra Mittens and they're a great glove, and I am sure would serve you just fine. I haven't used the XCR's but I am sure you would be fine with either.

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Hi, Do these mittens have an inside glove?...

Hi, Do these mittens have an inside glove? I have Raynaud syndrome and my fingers needs to be together in order to be warm. I am looking for very warm mittens since my fingers end up always without blood circulation. I'm a ski instructor and already have a collection of mittens....Planning to use them for hiking with snowshoes or even skate skiing. Isabelle

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listen kid so do i and alls you need is a real thin pair of silk gloves inside this mitt and it is toast all day when everyone else was freezing i had my mitts off first time in my life. they are worth every penny last mit u will buy but get the silk gloves for when you take your mitts off